Direct fluid energy transfer

ABSTRACT

Fluid energy is transferred by first generating pulses of a first fluid in compression waves with alternate high and low pressures. A tubular chamber directs the path of propagation of first fluid pulses. A second fluid is drawn into the chamber by the low pressures between the first fluid compression waves. Subsequent pulses of the first fluid entrap, drive and compress the second fluid. The second fluid is accelerated to the velocity of the first fluid pulses, thereby increasing kinetic energy of the second fluid. When the second fluid is a gas, it is compressed, increasing its potential energy. Subsequently, the fluids are separated. The second fluid with increased energy is used, and the first fluid with spent energy is discarded.

[451 Jan. 9, 1973 [54] DIRECT FLUID ENERGY TRANSFER [76] lnventor: George '1. Kimmel, I11, 142 Hillcrest Drive, Berrien Springs, Mich. 49103 [22] Filed: Oct. 5, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 78,134

[52] U.S. Cl. ..55/261, 231253 R, 55/17, 55/257, 55/459, 55/DIG. 30, 60/319, 73/423 [51] Int. Cl. ..B0ld 50/00 [58] Field of Search ..55/261, DIG. 30, 410, 431, 55/466, 220, 257, 467, 468, 459; 137/815;

261/35, 78 A;73/23, 194 R, 423 A, 194 E,

194 F; 302/28; 23/230,253 R, 267 R, 267 C;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,195,276 3/1940 l-lennessy .,..26l/78 A X 2,245,890 6/1941 Wydler ..417/159 Neuland 2,297,910 10/1942 ..417/159 2,631,242 3/1953 Metcalf 73/194 E 2,675,358 4/1954 Fenley, Jr. ....261/78 A X 3,050,371 8/1962' Dowson et al. ....23/253 R X 3,144,309 8/1964 Sparrow ..55/D1G. 30 3,184,967 5/1965 Rogers ..324/61 X 3,266,510 8/1966 Wadey ..l37/8l.5 3,342,019 9/1967 Smythe ..55/53 3,367,563 2/1968 l-lertzberg et al ..417/54 Bowles ..l37/8l.5

3,468,325 9/1969 3,504,691 4/1970 Campagnuolo et al.....

3,529,937 9/1970. lhara et al ..23/253 PC 3,541,801 11/1970 Marchal et al. ..62/5

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 132,284 4/1949 Australia ..417/159 843,824 6/1970 Canada ..302/28 470,042 6/1929 Germany ..'...60/29 R 1,002,089 8/1965 Great Britain ..137/815 231,960 11/1968 .....73/l94 R U.S.S.R.

Primary Examiner-Dennis E. Talbert, Jr. Att0rneyLittlepage, Quaintance, Wray & Aisenberg I ABSTRACT I Fluid energy is transferred by first generating pulses of a first fluid in compression waves with alternate high and low pressures. A tubular chamber directs the path of propagation of first fluid pulses. A second fluid is drawn into the chamber by the low pressures between the first fluid compression waves. Subsequent pulses of the first fluid entrap, drive and compress the second fluid. The second fluid is accelerated to the velocity of the first fluid pulses, thereby increasing kinetic energy of the second fluid. When the second fluid is a gas, it is compressed, increasing its potential energy. Subsequently, the fluids are separated. The second fluid with increased energy is used, and the first fluid with spent energy is discarded.

5 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures l2g x422 ll/J/l Il/ [IIr/l/II/ I/Il PATENTEDJAN 9l975 I 3.708.961

SHEET 1 OF 2 EXHAUST PULSE INVENIOI GEORGE E KIMMEL In A TOINBYS PAIENTEUJAn 9 I975 3,708,961

SHEET 2 0F 2 F/6 6 FIRST FLUID 84 EXHAUST 72 SECOND FLUID E EXHAUST I v N I n54 I52 :50 N E GEORGE T KlMMEL In,

ATTORNEYS 1 DIRECT FLUID ENERGY TRANSFER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An energy transfer produces several forms of energy. Many are wasted forms which are losses. In transferring energy from a first material to a second material, greatest economic losses occur when auxiliary, driving energy must be introduced. Although efficiency of the desired transfer may be unchanged or even may be reduced by adding an external energy source, economics of a process may be. adversely effected by the need for expensive equipment and power consumption.

If a form of energy is not usable in a raw state, a mechanical or electrical system may be required to convert the energy into a usable product. A pressurized waste gas is not useful unless harnessed.

Many devices have been developed to harness the energy of exhaust gases. However, these devices normally include a turbine or some other mechanical device for converting flow to a rotary or other physical motion which in turn produces work, for example in compressing incoming gases. Such devices restrict the flow of exhaust gases, increase exhaust back pressure, and reduce efficiency of theengine. Known devices are insensitive to the pulsing nature of reciprocating or other pulsing engine exhausts, and depend on uniform exhaust flow thereof. Known devices normally have a number of moving parts, which temperature and composition of exhaust gases may corode. Efficiency and economy are lost by the costand weight of mechanical transfer devices and by losses which occur in the intervening energy transfer steps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides means for transferring energy directly from a first fluid to a second fluid without additional energy input.

The apparatus has a pulse means for causing pulses in a first fluid. In various embodiments, the pulse means include the exhaust systems reciprocating internal combustion and pulse jet engines. Typically, the first fluid is waste exhaust gas from the pulse producing engines. The pulse meansmay be'any device or apparatus which is capable of generating pulses in a first fluid.

The moving pulses of first fluid have mass and velocity and emanate from the pulse means in the form of compression waves. After the pulse 7 means has generated a pulse offirst fluid, the-momentum of the pulse continues its movement.

Chamber means, typically tubular, are connected to the pulse means for directing the path of moving pulses of firstv fluid. Each moving compression wave of first fluid in the chamber means creates cooperatively moving regions of high and low pressures. In one preferred embodiment, the chamber means is an exhaust pipe.

Inlet means are connected to the chamber means for admitting second fluid to the chamber means. In one embodiment, the inlet means are coaxial with the chamber means. In another embodiment, the inlet means are peripherally attached to the chamber means. The second fluid is typically air. The second fluid may be a fluidic element mixture, combination, or medium. The first and second fluids are usually gases, for example exhaust gas and air. The fluids may be liquids, or one of the fluids may be liquid and the other gaseous.

Negative pressures behind the first fluid pulses draw second fluid into the chamber means. The next oncoming high pressure areas of the first fluid compression waves entrap the second fluid between pulses of first fluid. Subsequent compression waves of first fluid drive and compress the entrapped second gas and increase kinetic and potential energy of the second fluid, thereby transferring energy to the entrapped second fluid.

Some mixing of the first and second fluids occurs at the interfaces. The mixing is insignificant, as major portions remain unmixed. The mixed portions may be used or discarded according to a tradeoff between volume and purity requirements for use of the second, driven gas. In one embodiment, the chamber contains a plurality of smaller diameter coaxial tubes or longitudinal partitions for reducing the mixing area of the interface,

for resisting the mixing of the first and second fluids,

and for enhancing the preheating of the driven air from the exhaust-heated tube surfaces.

In one form of the invention, the purpose of alternating pulses of exhaust gas and air is to dilute the exhaust gas with air to facilitate the consumption .of polluting agents, such as unburned hydrocarbons, in the exhaust. This consumption may be catalytic or thermal. The gases are intentionally mixed at high energy levels to facilitate complete combustion of exhaust-entrained hydrocarbons.

In preferred embodiments, separation means are connected to the chamber means for separating second fluid from first fluid. The separation means are deflection means for deflecting one or more fluids to separate paths. In one form, the separation means includes a mechanical valve which opens tovent the second fluid to a special channel. The separation means may also be fluidic, such as a fluid operated flow diverting valve. In another embodiment, the separation means includes a centrifuge for separating second fluid from first fluid by a density differential.

In still another form, the inlet means may include admission control means, such as a mechanical valve, for admitting second fluid to the chamber means. In that embodiment, the admission means is coordinatively connected, as by mechanical linkage, to the separation means. The combustion gases may be used to operate the separation means.

' The apparatus may be duplexed. In that case, the second fluid output of the first apparatus may be the second fluid input of the second apparatus for amplifying the effect of the first fluid upon the second fluid.

The method and apparatus of this invention is the direct transfer'of energy from one fluid to another in a chamber whichis preferably an open ended tube. The.

propelling fluid arrives in pulses at one end of a tube containing a second fluid and pushes it down the tube in a compression wave, imparting kinetic energy to'the second, driven fluid and imparting potential energy of compression. Separation means or deflection means, which are for example mechanical or fluidic valves, or kinetic separators such as a fixed centrifugal separator in which heavy fluids swirl outward, divide the two fluids and direct them through separate ducts.

This invention is especially applicable to the using of exhaust gases from engines to compress intake air. This invention is also useful in pulse-jet engines, turbojet engines and combustion burners of any type. This inven-' tion is applicable wherever a transfer of energy between two fluids without the use of moving parts is useful In one example exhaust from a single-cylinder four I cycle engine passes from .an exhaust port through an orifice into a tube past a clean air intake nozzle. Clean air is drawn into the tube between exhaust pulses. Central portions of accelerated and compressed clean air pulses are removed and used from the second end of the tube. When the engine exhaust valve is closed,

clean air is drawn through the nozzle into the tube by place of a single-tube to lessen the area of interface, if

mixing becomes critical. Mixing of fluids on the interface and incomplete scavenging occurs to a limited extent, but they are not critical to the operation. 4

In a four or two cycle internal combustion engine, exhaust ports are open one-fourth to one-third of the time, thus allowing sufficient time for exhaust scavenging. Energy imparted to the clean air is proportional to the velocity and. pressure possessed by the exhaust gases.

' In an example of a separator, an elongated tube has at-opposite ends spaced flaps which are connected by a pushrod and spring-loaded, to open and close in response toexhaust gas pressure, thus separating the two gases. The tube is somewhat longer than an exhaust gas pulse from each stroke. 4

When the tube, is U-shaped, the two flaps can be connected to the same axle, which is spring loaded, thus eliminating the pushrod.

Any type of valve, rotary, reed, poppet, or butterfly, can be'used and with any mechanism to accomplish the steps of the method of the present invention. There is a substantial dilution of exhaust gases with fresh air. The

compressed air from each cycle passes through a tank or plenum chamber and air. cleaner into an intake manifold in a conventional manner. The pressure of the air is controlled by a gate of a conventional type. The above system provides a sufficient volume of air at any reasonable pressure, for example from three to twelve psi, to supply the engine. Advantages are: a muffling effect of theexhaust, dilution of exhaust with air to facilitate total combustion in a catalytic burner, cheap and flexible construction, and minimum weights and inertia in the system.

This invention is also useful where there isa substantially steady, non-pulsing flow of one fluid,as in the exhaust collector of a multi-cylinder engine, or from any steady. source. The steady flowzcan be separated into pulsed flow intwo or more tubes using conventional mechanical or fluidic valves-The pulses are used as previously described.

One important use of the invention lies in constructing a jet engine or burner having no moving parts. In a modified pulse-jet, a combustion chamber in the form of cylinder closed at one end receives a charge of air through tube, and fuel through a nozzle. After scavenging one chamber, the compressed charge is firedin a second chamber, pumping a new charge into the adjoining chamber. Two or more chambers are preferred,

as it is difficult for one chamber to charge itself.

The method and apparatus of, the invention used, for example in supercharging an engine can be accom plished without moving parts by using conventional fluidic valves.

During the exhaust flow, a portion of the exhaust gases pass through an orifice where they impinge on the moving flow of driven air, forcing it into an intake manifold. When the engine exhaust valvecloses a negative pressure develops in thetube, drawing the flow of exhaust gases into the exhaust pipe. Fluid amplifiers of conventional design can be installed to more sharply separate the fluids. I I

It is appreciated that the clean intake air is heated by contact with the tube, by compression and by contact with exhaust gases. The clean air is also contaminated.

with some exhaust gas. However, that has no deleterious effect on the desired results as an exhaust system can generate up to three atmospheres of pressure. Therefore, the molecular, weight of oxygen forced into the intake manifold pressure will be higher thanin a conventional engine,'producing more power.

The efficiency as a supercharger. is enhanced by therebeing a volume of four times as much exhaust gas as intake gas, thus permitting careful separation of the two gases. g

The invention is susceptible to many configurations, either similar to conventional jet engines, or pulse jets, or furnace burners. The method and apparatus can be used to pump water or air.

The invention can replace turbines, propellers,'cornpressors, and engines by directly compressing air with combustion gases. Simplicity of construction and low cost are obvious. Lack of inertia and rapid acceleration of gases is one of the principal advantages.

One object of the invention is to provide method and apparatus for transferring energy directly from a first 'fluid to a second fluid without theuse of intervening mechanical parts.

Another object is to providemethod and apparatus for compressing a fluid directly from a pulsed driver fluid.

Another object is to provide an improved means for supercharging an internal combustion or compression ignition engine without moving parts by imparting velocity and pressure from exhaust gases.

Theseand other objects will be apparent from the. disclosure which is the foregoing and ongoing specification, including the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS transfer of the energy of one fluid to another.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a fluid energy transfer apparatus showing the pulse means as a combustion chamber and showing .fluidic separation means operated by the pulse means.

I DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to FIG. 1, a fluid energy transfer apparatus is generally indicated by the numeral 10. The apparatus has pulse means, such as the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, generally indicated at 12 for generating pulses of a first fluid 14. Chamber means, such as tubular chamber 16, is connected to the pulse means for directing the path of movement of first fluid pulses.

Inlet means 22 is connected to chamber 16 for supplying a second fluid to the chamber. Second fluid, typically air, is drawn into the chamber in the regions of low pressure following passage of relatively high pressure exhaust pulses. In FIG. 1, the inlet means 22 are shown coaxial with the chamber. Small tubes 24 axially aligned in chamber 16 promote laminar flow of the exhaust gas and air and help prevent turbulence and mixing. At the distal end 26 of tube 16, periodic separation of air and exhaust is accomplished.

FIG. 2 is a simplified version of the apparatus in FIG. 1, more clearly showing the steps in the method of direct energy transfer. Exhaust pulses 14 from engine exhaust pipe 12 are directed in chamber 16. Each moving pulse has a high pressure portion 18 followed by a regionof low pressure 20.

Aftera moving fluid pulse 18 passes the inlet means, the negative'pressure region following pulse 18 draws air into the chamber 16 through the inlet means 22. A subsequent exhaust pulse 18' moves along the chamber to cover the inlet means 22 and to entrap a pocket of air between successive exhaust pulses. The subsequent exhaust pulse 18 strikes the relatively low energy entrapped air 20 and begins to compress and accelerate it. Energy is transferred from the exhaust pulse to the entrapped air which is accelerated to the velocity of the exhaust pulses.

Some mixing of the exhaust and air occurs at the interfaces 28.

Separation means is connected to the distal end 26 of chamber 16 for separating exhaust pulses 18 from entrapped air 20.

In all embodiments a first fluid having a relatively high energy pushes on a second fluid having a relatively low energy level, thereby transferring energy from the first fluid to the second fluid.

In FIG. 3, direct energy transfer system 30 is connected to exhaust-pipe 12 for receiving exhaust pulses. Air inlet 22 is controlled by an admission means, such as admission valve 32, for more positively regulating the admission of air to chamber 16. Valve flap 32 is lifted about axle 34 by exhaust pressure. Rigidly attached arm 36 moves linkage bar 38 to the left against pressure-of spring 40 as flap 32 is lifted. Link 38 moves separation valve shutter 42 downward, acting through arm 44. Thus as exhaust pulse 14 raises valve 32 to shut off incoming air, valve 42 deflects entrapped air 20 into separation outlet 46. Thus incoming exhaust pulses force entrapped air into outlet 46. Outlet 46 leads to a plenum in which air compressed by the exhaust is stored.

Preferably the length of chamber 16 betweenvalves 32 and 42 is approximately the same or somewhat longer than lengths of exhaust pulses travelling through chamber 16.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the separation means of FIG. 3. Exhaust line 12 supplies exhaust pulses to bent chamber 16. Intake 22 is controlled by valve plate 48 which is keyed on axle 50. An incoming exhaust pulse lifts plate 48, turns axle 50 and lifts plate 52 at the distal end 26 of chamber 16, permitting entrapped air to be driven into outlet 54. When the incoming exhaust pulse passes plate 48, a spring moves plate 48 downward, opening inlet 22 and allowing air to be drawn into chamber 16 following the exhaust pulse. At the same time plate 52 moves downward, directing the exhaust pulse upward through exhaust port 56.

In FIG. 5, a fluidic valve controlled direct energy transfer system is generally indicated by the number 60. Exhaust gas pulses from line 12 into chamber 16 and into fluid control passage 62. While the exhaust pulse is filling chamber 16 and driving and compressing entrapped air in front of the exhaust pulse, a control pulse from passage 62 deflects the pushed air to exit through a tube 64. When the exhaust pulse is discontinued, a negative pressure is developed in intake 22 and passage 62, drawing air into the chamber following the exhaust and creating a negative pressure in passage 62. Flow induced by the latter negative pressure influences the onrushing exhaust pulse to deflect and to exit through exhaust tube 66.

In all cases inlets 22 communicate with any appropriate source of second fluid, for example the atmosphere when air isthe second fluid. ,7

- FIG. 6 is'a schematic view of the apparatus showing a cyclone separation means at the distal end 26 of av chamber 16 such as shown in FIG. 2. Denser, more highly compressed exhaust gasses whirl outward in separator 70 and exit through tangential exhaust tube 72. Lighter, less dense and slower driven air exhausts centrally through foraminous axial tube 74.

FIG. 7 is similar to a compounded form of the embodiment of FIG. 5. Cylinder 80, closed at one end, contains an ignition device such as spark plug 82. A charge of air from intake 84 and fuel from nozzel 86 are mixed and ignited in chamber 80. The exhaust from chamber moves into chamber 16 and down passage 88. Exhaust pulses exit the chamber and separation means via an exhaust conduit. Air previously entrapped in tube 16 is driven and deflected down into chamber 90 through conduit 94. Fuel is injected through line 96 before spark plug 92 fires, driving exhaust gas into chamber 116, compressing and forcing entrapped air ahead of the exhaust pulse. Concurrently, the exhaust pulse through passage 98 deflects the compressed and driven energy-enriched air out line 130. The energy-en- 7 riched air from line 130 may be used to charge inlet 84. After the exhaust pulses from chambersv 80 and 90 respectively pass intakes 22 and 122, fresh air is drawn in behind the pulses ready for. entrapment by sub-v sequent pulses. Negative pressures at those lines in passages 88 and. 98 allow the onrushingexhaust gas momentum to carry it out exhaust lines 89 and 99.

In FIG. .8, an air-fuel charge fed into cylinder 140 through intake 142 is detonated. Exhaust flows through passage 144 in the direction of arrow 146 deflecting the main exhaust flow downward to chamber 150. As the exhaust pulse completely passes by intake 152, air is drawn in and follows the exhaust pulse. The next detonation produces'exh'aust that forces the entrapped air in the direction of arrow 154. Exhaust from passage 156 deflects the entrapped compressed and driven air to air line 158. When exhaust ceases to flow through passage 156, the onrushing exhaust pulse in chamber 150 passes outward throughexhaust line 159.

Although the invention described herein has been revealed by way of specific examples and embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that several other embodiments of the method and apparatus may be'employed without departing from the teachings and limits of the invention which are precisely defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

' 1. A fluid energy transfer apparatus comprising:

elongate chamber means having a first inlet passage adjacent one end pulses of a first fluid, l a second inlet passage of venturiconfiguration disposed adjacent the first inlet passage whereby slugs of a second fluid are drawn into the chamber by and between ,pulses of the first fluid;

for receiving a first outlet passage adjacent the other end of the chamber means,

a second outlet passage joined to thefirstoutlet passage' and fluid directing means response to pressure dif-' ferences in said chamber adjacent the first=inlet passage for directing fluid in said chamber to one of said outlet passages inresponse to relative high fluid pressure in the first inlet passage and for directing fluid in said chamber to the other of said outlet passages in response to relatively low fluid pressure in the first inletpassage.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fluid directing means comprises a fluidic valve.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chamber is curved and the first and second inlet passages and the first and second outlet passages are juxtaposed, and wherein the fluidic valve is constituted by a Y configuration of the exhaust passage and means providing a chamber short-circuiting passage running from the first inlet passage means to the stem of the Y adjacent the arms thereof.

4. The apparatus of claim l, wherein the fluid directing means comprises a power input means adjacent the first fluid opening for receiving power from the pulses of the first fluid, and power output means adjacent the juncture of the outlet passage.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power input means comprises a first plate pivot to said chamber means and swingable to selectively close said. inlet passages, said power output means comprising a second plate coupled to the first plate and pivoted to said chamber, and swingable to selectively close said outlet passages. 

1. A fluid energy transfer apparatus comprising: elongate chamber means having a first inlet passage adjacent one end for receiving pulses of a first fluid, a second inlet passage of venturi configuration disposed adjacent the first inlet passage whereby slugs of a second fluid are drawn into the chamber by and between pulses of the first fluid, a first outlet passage adjacent the other end of the chamber means, a second outlet passage joined to the first outlet passage and fluid directing means response to pressure differences in said chamber adjacent the first inlet passage for directing fluid in said chamber to one of said outlet passages in response to relative high fluid pressure in the first inlet passage and for directing fluid in said chamber to the other of said outlet passages in response to relatively low fluid pressure in the first inlet passage.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fluid directing means comprises a fluidic valve.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chamber is curved and the first and second inlet passages and the first and second outlet passageS are juxtaposed, and wherein the fluidic valve is constituted by a ''''Y'''' configuration of the exhaust passage and means providing a chamber short-circuiting passage running from the first inlet passage means to the stem of the ''''Y'''' adjacent the arms thereof.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid directing means comprises a power input means adjacent the first fluid opening for receiving power from the pulses of the first fluid, and power output means adjacent the juncture of the outlet passage.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power input means comprises a first plate pivot to said chamber means and swingable to selectively close said inlet passages, said power output means comprising a second plate coupled to the first plate and pivoted to said chamber, and swingable to selectively close said outlet passages. 